Mental note

Remember to keep feet together and pointing straight when doing the stiff legged deadlift.

Mini-cycle update

I just completed the '100 per cent' workout in my mini-cycle.

All target reps completed.

Now to push on.

New shoes

I was recently in need of new shoes in which to train.

Does it matter, I hear you ask, what footwear you choose to lift in?

Short answer: yes. A lot.

After reading an article on weightlifting shoes on ExRx, I was inspired to go for a pair of Chuck Taylors for my training. They appealed to my love of old-fashioned simplicity and my natural frugality.

Two workouts in they are proving comfortable, stable and supportive. Perfect.

A change

Following a period of mild illness and a short holiday, I have had some time to re-think my training.

I feel that going 'full-bore' all the time is too much for my recuperative abilities, no matter how careful I am with rest and recovery.

Whilst I was on holiday, I took the time to re-read some of Stuart McRobert's excellent writings and have come to the conclusion that now is the time to begin cycling training intensity.

Watch this space...

Achy morning

Completed another 10 rep session last night.

Had to reduce my bench press weight to around 50% of my max to complete the three sets. At least now I have found my working poundages. Interestingly, I found that the final third of the lift (where the triceps come into play most) seemed to fatigue more quickly than my chest.

Perhaps I should do some board presses?


Overhead presses were very tough after the bench too.

Bench press personal best

Yesterday, after my 3 rep workout (which went well) I tried singles in the bench and squat.

I squatted 120kg fairly easily. I could do more, but this is the most weight I have used when going below parallel.

I benched 132.5kg, touch and go. This is a personal best. Video above: not the best angle, but you get the idea.

Barbell rows - underhand or overhand?

Is it better to do barbell rows with an overhand or underhand grip?

Here is some recent discussion on the matter.

I have been doing underhand for some time now, but think I am going to start factoring in some overhand for variety.

Update: I tried overhand yesterday, and found that it placed a greater strain on the grip.